TAIPEI & TAICHUNG 5-DAY ITINERARY (NT$6,500/PHP11,000 BUDGET)

Since Taiwan had implemented visa-free entry for the Philippines, the number of Filipino tourists entering Taiwan had significantly increased. Of course, who wouldn't want to skip the hassle of compiling documents for visa application? I felt a sense of urgency in visiting Taiwan upon knowing that it's on a trial basis and that it will end soon. The 14-day visa-free entry should have ended last July 2019 but it has been extended to July 31, 2020. Thank goodness!

Let's book that flight and pack our bags!

Taiwan 5-day Itinerary with PHP 11,000 budget

Visa Concerns

As of this writing, Taiwan is visa-free for most Southeast Asian countries including the Philippines. You may get updates at their official website: https://www.boca.gov.tw/cp-149-4486-7785a-2.html because their visa policies may change.

Although Taiwan has visa exemptions, you have to prepare the following upon arrival or as you go through the immigration:

• Passport with 6-month remaining validity (golden rule in all international destinations)
• Return ticket 
• Proof of accommodation
• Sufficient travel funds (not usually asked for)

Accommodation

Nowadays, it isn't so hard to book for a hotel or a hostel with the power of the internet. Just make sure you read the comments first because photos might be really deceiving.

Hostels are economical yet some people might have issues on privacy. Taiwan hotels are quite expensive especially in Taipei. If you're a budget traveller and worries about your privacy when staying in hostels, Taiwan hostels might just take a sting out of your worries. Compared to the hostels I've been to in some Asian countries (even Singapore), Taiwan has way better and more sophisticated bunk beds.

Taichung hostel

I stayed in two of the cities in Taiwan for a couple of days. I would definitely recommend two of the hostels I stayed in Taipei and Taichung. I just paid around 10USD per night for a clean and comfortable environment.

My favorite was my stay at Mini West Hotel in Taichung. The comfort levels and privacy I've had there was something I have never experienced yet in other hostels. I also liked my stay in Angel's Hostel in Taipei although there were things they had to improve on. On the other hand, I had a bad experience with one hostel in Taipei and I won't recommend this hostel despite its excellent location.

Transportation

Like most progressive cities in Asia, Taiwan has an efficient transport system through its metro especially in Taipei.

My EasyCard | Taipei

In Taipei
Taiwan MRT is 'tourist-friendly' that's comparable to Singapore's. Taipei stations are connected to major tourist attractions. Less walking! Although buses are preferred by some, the MRT routes are less confusing so I chose to travel by train; besides, I enjoy train rides a lot.

For DIY trips, getting an MRT card (EasyCard) is imperative. I'd say that was the best decision I made because it saved me time and money. I got mine from Klook along with my Taiwan SIM card (good for 5 days) but you may also buy the EasyCard and simcard package at the airport. Their booths are situated conspicuously in the airport lobby.

In Taichung

Although there's an MRT that connects Taichung to other cities or counties of Taiwan, its local means of transpo is the bus (BRT). For destinations that are less than 10km, your ride is free. Again, having the EasyCard is the most convenient way to use the BRT. You could literally travel around Taichung without having to pay.

International Airports

Currently, there are six airports with international destinations in Taiwan but only two have destinations to and fro the Philippines. If you're planning to stay in Taipei, Taoyuan Int'l Airport would be the closest as there's an airport line connecting Taoyuan and Taipei Main Station.

Kaohsiung on the other hand has destinations to Manila, Clark, and Cebu. Since Kaohsiung has the most number of flights next to Taoyuan, it has become more convenient for tourists to include this beautiful city in the itinerary.

In my case, I entered Taiwan through the Taoyuan airport and got on a bus from the airport to Taichung West District where my hotel was. It was a 2-hour bus ride but getting the ticket was really hassle-free. I didn't have prior reservations and got my ticket in less than 2 minutes. Awesome!

Money

Itinerary